Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield ignoring Odell Beckham a cause for concern

After another disappointing ending in a close game, there are many reasons for concern for the Cleveland Browns. Baker not looking for Odell Beckham Jr. is one to add to the list.

Say what you will about how the game was played overall, but the simplest way to put it is this; the Broncos didn’t win this game, the Cleveland Browns lost it. That’s how it’s been this season for Cleveland, though today, they lost it in a new way.

Rather than the same penalties that seem to force them into precarious situations on a weekly basis, this time the Browns just couldn’t execute when it mattered. The penalties weren’t the problem they usually are for this team, but instead, it was a couple of issues including them having to settle for field goals in the first half.

Had they been able to convert at least one of those to a touchdown, the game would have likely gone in Cleveland’s favor in the end.

Still, the biggest issue came on the last drive which ended with a 4th down pass being batted down in front of Jarvis Landry.

Landry is a good receiver and is definitely someone to target on the field. But when the game is on the line, you typically want your quarterback to look for the best player on the field. That player for Cleveland? Odell Beckham Jr.

Video replay after the Broncos stopped the Browns and essentially ended the game showed the OBJ had a step on cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and would have likely caught the game-winning touchdown. Instead, Baker doesn’t even look that way.

Mayfield did end up finding OBJ five times on six targets for the day for 87 yards, but the seventh target likely would have been a game-winner that could have changed the trajectory of this dreadful season.

Not even looking towards your best receiver in the games defining moment isn’t a good look. In fact, it’s just another thing to add to the ever-growing list of concerns with this Browns team.